Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect blend of sweetness, fiber, and nutrients. Packed with oats, fresh strawberries, and a touch of honey, these bars make for a wholesome breakfast or snack. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for on-the-go munching.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or butter
- 1 large egg
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, add the chopped strawberries, honey, chia seeds (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Oatmeal Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add in the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Press half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the strawberry filling to create a topping.
5. Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. These are perfect for a grab-and-go snack, breakfast, or a light dessert.
Notes
- Fruit Alternatives: You can substitute the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Nut Butter: For extra richness, you can mix in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter into the oatmeal base.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg and choose maple syrup as the sweetener for a vegan version.
- Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (like sunflower seeds) for added texture and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 kcal per serving